"Purely A Govt Function": Delhi High Court Refuses To Order Opening Of 24 Hours PAN India Doordarshan Channel For Sindhi Community

The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the Union Government and Doordarshan to open a new 24 hours PAN India Doordarshan channel for the Sindhi Community, observing that it is purely a governmental function.

Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain said that there cannot be any two opinions that the Sindhi Community, being a minority, is having a right for the preservation of its own heritage and culture, but noted that Doordarshan is telecasting various programmes for the said community.

“It is not workable for this Court to give directions to the respondents for opening of a new Doordarshan Channel for the Sindhi Community which is purely a governmental function,” the court said.

However, it added that it is expected that Doordarshan shall make every possible effort and endeavour to open a new channel for the Sindhi Community in the future, as per policy and other guidelines.

The court disposed of a plea moved by one Asha Chand in 2015, seeking a direction upon the Union Government and Doordarshan to allocate a 24 hours PAN India channel on the latter for the Sindhi Community, being a Linguistic Minority.

It was the petitioner's case that the channel would contribute to the promotion of the Sindhi language and culture.

Justice Jain observed that the persons belonging to the Sindhi Community post independence have migrated to various parts of the country, due to which the Sindhi operation is scattered in various States as minority.

The court took note of Doordarshan's response filed in 2019 stating that it has been duly telecasting programmes in Sindhi language on its DD Girnar, DD Rajasthan and DD Sahyadri channels, covering areas where the Sindhi population is mainly concentrated.

It further said that Doordarshan is also exploring the possibility of having a dedicated slot or window for Sindhi Programmes on one of the regional channels.

“It is expected that the respondent shall make every possible effort and endeavour to open a new Doordarshan Channel for the Sindhi Community in the future as per policy and other guidelines. The petition along with pending application, stands disposed of,” the court said.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr. Aaditya Gore, Advocate

Counsel for Respondents: Mr. Anil Soni, CGSC with Mr. Devvrat Yadav, Advocate for R- 1/UOI; Ms. Radhalakshmi R, Advocate for R-2

Title: ASHA CHAND v. UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.

Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Del) 228

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